Zachariah sidled up to Violet. “That was supposed to be you. It was foretold.”
“No, Father,” she said tiredly. “It was never supposed to be me. And I’m glad it’s not. I have another fate.”
“And what is that?”
“To protect. And blaze the path.”
I tried to stay, to watch my parents, but the mist would have none of it. It dragged me away from them, and I was left with the blank, misty space in front of me.
Violet stood at the tapestry opening, hesitating. She was wearing more weapons than in any of the previous scenes, and gone was the flamboyant sass. Her eyes were tired, her steps weary.
“Violet!” Her name rang out through the hall. Kaia ran toward her.
“Hey there,” Violet said lightly.
“Don’t ‘hey there’ me.” Even in a memory, that tone of voice from Kaia made my heart rate spike. She was pissed. “Where are you going?”
Violet grimaced. “I can’t tell you.”
Kaia crossed her arms. “You’ve always kept secrets, Vi, but this is next level. Even for you.”
Violet approached Kaia and rested a hand on her arm. “You know I’d tell you if I could,” she said softly.
“I know,” Kaia said, closing her eyes. “Just promise me you’re being safe.”
Violet gave her a wicked grin. “When am I not?”
“Now I’m more worried.”
Violet laughed and watched Kaia walk away, before ducking under the tapestry.
She headed back to the cave, where she stood and turned in a small circle. “I’m here,” she called out like she had before. The sound faintly echoed around the chamber. “Are you here?” she called out. “I don’t even know your name,” she muttered under her breath. Looking around, she tried one last time. “Hey, Wraith! Show yourself!”
When the echoes of her call faded, there was silence in the chamber. Sighing, she went back up the way she came.
I was now used to the mist, and waited patiently for what it thought I should see next. I sucked in a breath when it revealed my father.
“It’s really rather astonishing, Vi,” he said. “The crown amplifies my powers, at least the elemental ones. It strengthens them. Similar to how essence-forged swords do.” He went on in this vein for a few more moments, Violet listening to him with an indulgent smile on her face. Finally, seeing something in her expression, he stopped. “I never did ask.” A rueful expression appeared on his face. “Are you upset it didn’t pass to you?”
The shock couldn’t be faked as she laughed. “Oh hell no, Thom! You know I never wanted the damn thing. You were always more of a ruler than me. Besides, I have other things to do.”
“Are you still certain of your fate?”
She faked a bright smile. “I’ve always been certain of it.”
This time when the mist cleared, we were back in the cave.
Violet came down the stairs, surprised to find the man she’d called the Wraith waiting there. He was leaning against a rocky ledge, looking likehe had all the time in the world. “You’re back.” There was a note of surprise in her voice.
“Of course.” He spoke in that measured manner, as if she was foolish to have questioned whether or not he’d return.
Clearly, she took it that way, too, for there was accusation in her voice. “You weren’t here last time.”
“I’m not always here.” Was he actually teasing her? Or just stating facts?
She strode right up to him, and he stood stiffly as she walked around him. “I thought maybe after our fight?—”
He made a scoffing noise.
